ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

One Purpose

By Dan Britton

READY:

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. – John 17:21

SET:

Just give up. There is incredible power in giving up. In fact, it should become a daily practice for all of us. If more athletes and coaches would give up, the sports world would be better off. 

I’m not talking about giving up as in quitting. I’m talking about giving up our rights and surrendering them to the Lord. You see, God hates the “quitting-giving-up,” but He loves the “surrendering-giving-up.” What does God truly want most from us? For us to give up our lives for the sake of His Kingdom and be unified. Our whole life we are taught to hold on tight to what we have earned, to defend what is ours, and not let people take advantage of us. 

Giving up should become a part of who we are when it comes to our sports teams, families, churches, ministries, organizations and businesses. True teamwork is when God’s Kingdom comes together to transform vision into reality. When you give up your rights and join together, the reward is great. When the body of Christ joins together and operates with one purpose, it fires up the Lord Jesus Christ.  The nature of Christ is demonstrated in a real, tangible way to a lost world when we give up, unite together, and do the work of the Kingdom.

It’s time to give up. Surrender, team up with others today, and see what God will do with your life. You will become the channel for God’s greatest work.

GO:

1. Why is it so hard for you to give up? 
2. What does it look like to give up on your team the way God desires? What would happen to your team?  
3. Why is God pleased when we unite with others?

WORKOUT:

John 15:12-13

2 Corinthians 6:14

Galatians 1:10

OVERTIME:

“Father, I ask for the power to give up. I don’t want to be a quitter but someone who surrenders to do Your will. I insist too much upon my rights, and it hurts You. Show me ways I can unify with others. Bring people into my life so that I can be a part of something much greater than my own effort. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.